The Mornington Peninsula offers a perfect escape from Melbourne. Barely an hour’s drive out of the city, the journey along the Peninsula Link is as soothing a freeway trip as you could wish for, not least in the knowledge that what awaits at the other end is balm to the stresses of city life.
The region’s many beaches, wineries, walks and – increasingly – breweries also make it a place suited to discovery and adventure, the sort of place you can return to again and again and still find something new.
Since 2022, Escape Brewing have provided another reason to head to the Peninsula, creating another adventure for those that make the trip. Indeed, for founders Russell and Nicole Matthews, the name pays homage to their own decision to escape the corporate world and build a community-minded craft brewery.
Located in an industrial and commercial corner of Rosebud, the couple turned two warehouses into a family-friendly destination. As you walk up to their brewery, you’re greeted by a basketball hoop; step inside and you’ll find cornhole, a pool table and tank-side lawn bowls alongside countless other games.
Their presence indicates that building a community venue matters as much to Russell and Nicole as the beer: the brewery is designed for anyone looking to enjoy their beer in good company, whether that’s with loved ones or the happy hosts.
As such, weekends tend to see the brewery fill with holidaymakers, while locals call in whenever they’re open. That said, the brewery’s close proximity to Bunnings and a few other major retailers means it’s a handy escape from weekend chores too. Regular comedy nights and the occasional painting class (yes, you read that right) are additional drawcards for locals.
The beers brewed on a 12-hectolitre system are named after and feature local landmarks, with the core range built to suit the palate of just about anybody that wanders through the door. Before opening Escape, Russell spent years homebrewing and studying beer while the couple, with their kids in tow, frequently visited numerous breweries on overseas trips.
Of those trips, it was time in Belgium that really made an impact on Russell, and his Belgian-style golden strong ale was a standout member of Escape’s core range when The Crafty Pint first called in – and the beer receives no shortage of love from regulars either.
You’ll also find Escape’s beers well-represented in Peninsula bottleshops and venues. And, if you’re enjoying them at the source, you can pair them with pizzas, burgers and other beer-friendly items including grazing boards, cider, wines and spirits from other Mornington Peninsula producers.
The brewery’s logo features a maze, yet a visit to the Rosebud brewery leads you to a straightforward conclusion: hanging out at a craft brewery like Escape makes for an excellent adventure.
Will Ziebell
